How far will an ounce of prevention go? I am not sure, but one place you don’t want to go is the emergency room. That is exactly where many Northerners end up during the winter from slip and falls on the ice and snow. I hate to admit it but I ended up there once from a slip and fall too. I have a couple of chips floating around in my elbow and had some fluid drained to show for it with a little bit of embarrassment.
I actually bought these to use for ice fishing but have found several more uses for them including everyday outdoor life in the winter. Most of the time during ice fishing season the ice is covered with snow and getting around is safe and easy. When the snow is deep I sometimes use my snowshoes but for the most part it is easy going. Every once in a while we have winters when the ice is void of any snow cover and the fishing is very dangerous. I have spun myself in circles before around the auger because I couldn’t get any traction under foot on the glare ice. I like to run to my traps when the flag goes up so you can see how glare ice can be dangerous to a yahoo like me.
A friend of mine wore these one day and had no problems getting around. I had used cheaper models that wore out, ripped, and didn’t offer any traction other than the toes which made them more dangerous giving a false sense of security. I got to study his and see how they worked before deciding to buy mine. I have been happy and upright ever since.
--------------------------What are they:-------------------------
They are actually a boot sole with screw secured to the bottom of them. The 34 screws dig into ice and snow and provide traction preventing your feet from slipping out and ending up but over tea kettle. They are made to slip over your shoes or boots and are easy on, easy off. They are much more rugged then any other slip over under boot grip device I have tried before.
--------------------------Quality Materials:-------------------------
I have used so many of these before at $5-$10 per pair that the rubber ripped out on or the metal wore down or they just didn’t work properly that I could have bought 3 pairs of these. The rubber is a Vibram sole and is comfortable and flexible. The cleats are case hardened and custom designed for snow rocks and ice. The Velcro and Nylon straps are rugged and strong and mine have not shown any signs of wear yet. Made in Maine you know they are going to be quality made and they should last a lifetime.
--------------------------Why buy them:-------------------------
These are one of those things that you never know you need until its too late. You wind up on your rump or worse and you wish you took a little preventative precaution. They are a little pricey at $45, I have bought boots for less than that but it sure beats a medical bill or a trip to the hospital. It only takes one fall to ruin a day or a season.
--------------------------When to use them -------------------------
I mostly use mine while ice fishing on glare ice so I am able to get around. I have used them during ice storms, and icy conditions. They are actually most needed when you get a layer of ice over everything covered with a light dusting of snow. This is one of the most dangerous conditions because you never know what’s under the snow and the snow and ice mix only make it more slippery. They are great for commuting from the vehicle to the office, or for outside working conditions. They prevent the weather conditions from preventing you from doing either what you want to or have to do.
--------------------------How to use them:-------------------------
They are incredibly easy to use. They slip over all boots and shoes and fasten securely. The rear velcro strap wraps around your ankle and secures at the top of the foot. The front strap secures over the toe or you can slide the toe of your boot into it. They fit snug and tightly.
--------------------------Size Chart:-------------------------
This is important to check out before buying them because they obviously have to be larger than your actual size. I have a size 13 boot so I use the XL Stabilicers. Woman will have to convert their size to mens and order from that as that is how the sizes are listed. The XXS size can be used for shildren or kids with small feet.
XXL • Mens • 15-16
Xl • Mens • 12.5-14
LG • Mens • 10.5 -12.5
MED • Mens • 8-10
SM • Mens • 6.5-7.5
XXS • Womans • 4-6
--------------------------Cleat Replacement:-------------------------
I have not needed to replace my cleats yet but I know they sell replacements because my buddy has replaced his. He uses his all of the time working on concrete and pavement and they wear down much faster then out on the lake. They came out easily with a socket and went in just as easy. He did not need to replace all of them just the ones that were worn down and smooth. The cleats last surprisingly long.
--------------------------The Down Side:-------------------------
The only down side to them is the noise they make on hard surfaces. Sounds like a drunk tap dancer. Even though they are easy to put on and take off it can be a pain for just short walks but is worth the prevention of a fall.
--------------------------Price and Availability:-------------------------
I paid $45 for mine and they are easy to find at most outdoor sporting goods stores or on the internet.
©smallmouth 2008
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